Parenting plans—also known as custody agreements or custody and visitation agreements—are proposals submitted by parents for how issues involving children should be handled following a divorce or other proceeding in family court. The court will usually request the parents submit such a document proposing how conservatorship (decision-making), custody or possession, support, and other issues will be handled. The court may adopt some or all of these proposals and include them in the court’s order (divorce decree, child support and custody order), at which point the become legally enforceable.

In many states there is a standard possession order (SPO) that serves as the default terms for such matters, and as a useful starting point for parents who wish to modify it by agreement.

In Alaska, parenting plans are required in cases involving child custody, whether during divorce, separation, or other legal proceedings affecting the parent-child relationship. The parenting plan outlines how parents will share responsibilities, including decision-making authority (conservatorship), physical custody (possession), child support, and other child-related matters. Alaska law encourages parents to work together to create a parenting plan that serves the best interests of the child. If parents are unable to agree, the court may order mediation or decide the terms of the parenting plan. The court's primary consideration is the best interests of the child, taking into account factors such as the child's needs, the parents' ability to care for the child, and the child's relationship with each parent. Once approved by the court, the parenting plan becomes part of the legally enforceable court order. Alaska does not have a standard possession order (SPO) like some other states, but the state provides guidelines to help parents create a workable parenting plan.